2004 Hartford Hospital Annual Report

“Philanthropy is… not just nice, it’s absolutely
critical to the hospital’s ability to fulfill its mission.”
TThe first thing Hartford Hospital’s founders did after deciding to start a hospital was to launch
a fund-raising campaign. Area citizens responded generously, contributing a total of $20,000
and enabling the campaign to reach its goal.
That 1847 campaign was the beginning of a tradition of philanthropy that is alive and
well today and that continues to benefit all those whose lives are touched by Hartford Hospital.
This year the hospital celebrated the successful conclusion of its 150th Anniversary Campaign,
to which generous donors made commitments totaling more than $78 million.
William Thomson, a Corporator and longtime volunteer in the hospital’s development
efforts, is the fourth generation of his family to support the hospital through philanthropy.
His great-grandfather bequeathed a bed fund to the hospital in the early 20th century, and his
grandfather and father were both Board members and donors.
“My father didn’t tell his children what to do, but he certainly set a great example,”
Thomson says. “I do this because the presence of a strong hospital materially improves the quality
of life in the community. Since the hospital affects everyone, it’s a wonderful way to have an
impact on a broader level.”
John O’Connell and Bret Maffett, Co-owners of a Glastonbury insurance agency, are
volunteers and donors themselves, but are also active in encouraging others to give.
“The hospital touches so many people that calling on potential donors isn’t difficult,”
O’Connell says. “Plus, there’s a tremendous need today in health care, and the dollars we all
contribute are leveraged very effectively to the common good.”
“Today, philanthropy is a necessary part of the whole enterprise of running the hospital,”
says Bret Maffett. “It’s not just nice, it’s absolutely critical to the hospital’s ability to fulfill its
mission.”
Stacy Nerenstone, M.D., is a medical oncologist and a Corporator. She is also a donor
because, like most physicians, she sees firsthand the link between philanthropy and her
patients’ lives.
“The cancer research I’m involved with is extremely important to my patients and to
the future of cancer treatment,” Nerenstone says, “yet the government doesn’t cover the cost.
Hartford Hospital has supported research efforts in cancer even though it’s not profit-making.
The hospital has stepped up to the plate to help my patients, so I believe I need to step up to
the plate to help the hospital continue that support in the future.”
Donors
HARTFORD HOSPITAL